Bat Poop Fertilizer Blamed for Deadly Fungal Infections in Cannabis Growers

[Zeedox]

Bat Poop Fertilizer Blamed for Deadly Fungal Infections in Cannabis Growers

Doctors have reported two rare and fatal cases of histoplasmosis, a fungal disease linked to bat guano used as fertilizer for locally grown cannabis.

gizmodo.com

Researchers at the University of Rochester detailed the unusual infections in a case report published earlier this month. Both cases involved local men who developed a severe bout of histoplasmosis, likely contracted from bat guano they had used or intended to use as fertilizer for their cannabis crops. While exposure to bat guano isn’t a common risk for many people, the researchers note that it’s become a popularly advertised “superfood” for growing cannabis.

These infections aren’t contagious and can be only caught from environmental sources of the fungus. The fungus is primarily found in the central and eastern U.S., living in the soil. But Histoplasma fungi grow especially well in soil that’s been saturated with bird or bat droppings, and the fungi seem to naturally infect bats routinely, making the furry, flighted mammals an important vector of transmission.

 

[Gomez Adams]

Full disclosure: I didn't read the entire article.

That said, who the hell uses bat shit? You'd have to be batshit crazy to do stupid shit like that.

I know, I know...the puns are getting completely out of hand.

But seriously, how the hell do you go WAY out of your way to use something like that when regular, plain jane fertilizer is right down the street at Home Depot (or your local nursery) for fucks sake.

 

[Zeedox]

I've seen worm castings, fish poop, and other assorted animal by-products. Considering bat and bird guano has been used for ages in farming because the nitrogen and phosphate percentages are very high, I can see the jump to other argricultural uses especially as home growing (anything) has become a big trend.

edit to add: It also natural (lol).